The Official GOAT List: Ranking the Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time
Cartoon characters have been shaping pop culture for nearly a century. From the golden age of animation to modern streaming hits, these icons defined childhoods, launched billion-dollar franchises, and sparked endless debates among fans.
But when it comes to animation legends, one question always starts arguments: who is the greatest cartoon character of all time?
This GoatWars league brings together twelve of the most recognizable characters ever created — from classic animation pioneers like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, to modern icons like SpongeBob SquarePants, Rick Sanchez, and Goku from Dragon Ball Z.
Each contender represents a different era and style of animation. Some built the industry. Others redefined comedy, storytelling, or internet culture. Now they face off in head-to-head battles where fans decide who advances and who falls.
Along the way, some of the biggest animation debates emerge:
• Bugs Bunny vs Mickey Mouse — the founding fathers of animation
• Homer Simpson vs Rick Sanchez — classic sitcom satire vs modern chaos
• SpongeBob vs Goku — internet icon vs anime legend
Vote in the battles, build your GOAT list, and see which cartoon character fans ultimately crown the greatest of all time.
1. BUGS BUNNY
Bugs Bunny is currently the #1 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 80.8% head-to-head battles.
2. SCOOBY-DOO (SCOOBY-DOO)
Scooby-Doo (Scooby-Doo) is currently the #2 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 64.5% head-to-head battles.
3. FRED FLINTSTONE
Fred Flintstone is currently the #3 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 63.1% head-to-head battles.
4. TOM (TOM & JERRY)
Tom (Tom & Jerry) is currently the #4 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 61.4% head-to-head battles.
5. MICKEY MOUSE
Mickey Mouse is currently the #5 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 57.3% head-to-head battles.
6. HOMER SIMPSON (THE SIMPSONS)
Homer Simpson (The Simpsons) is currently the #6 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 52.3% head-to-head battles.
7. SPONGEBOB
SpongeBob is currently the #7 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 40.9% head-to-head battles.
8. ERIC CARTMAN
Eric Cartman is currently the #8 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 37.1% head-to-head battles.
9. STEWIE GRIFFIN
Stewie Griffin is currently the #9 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 36.6% head-to-head battles.
10. PIKACHU (POKÉMON)
Pikachu (Pokémon) is currently the #10 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 25.5% head-to-head battles.
11. RICK SANCHEZ
Rick Sanchez is currently the #11 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 15.2% head-to-head battles.
12. GOKU
Goku is currently the #12 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time winning 14.3% head-to-head battles.
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